FORMER cricketer Phil Tufnell joined more than 150 school pupils in the sunshine this week for the Children's Trust's first Paralympic Sports Festival.

The event in Tadworth, co-organised by the East Surrey School Sports Partnership, was an opportunity for youngsters with profound and multiple learning difficulties to get active.

The sports included football, rugby, cricket, golf and wheelchair basketball.

Tufnell, vice-president of the Children’s Trust, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and great fun for all the kids.

"Sport is a great way of bringing people together as this has shown.

"I’ve learnt a few things and had a chance to sharpen my cricket skills to.”

Other inspirational men and women who attended the day, which coincided with National School Sports Week, were Paralympic medal hopeful Ali Lalani, Olympic swimmer Melanie Marshall and charity fundraiser Phil Packer MBE.

Maj Packer walked this year’s London Marathon in 26 hours for 26 charities, despite being left paralysed in 2008 by injuries he sustained in a rocket blast in Iraq.

He said: “ The day has been a tremendous opportunity for schools to participate and for pupils to have fun whilst enjoying many different sports.

“It has been a very successful and worthwhile event and it is a privilege to be invited and to feel the wonderful atmosphere.”

The Children’s Trust is a national charity that provides care, education and therapy for children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, as well as rehabilitation services for youngsters with an acquired brain injury.